Abduction of Israeli researcher: The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported on Sunday that contacts are being held between Iran and Israel through a non-Arab regional entity for the release of Elizabeth Tsurkov. Some of the newspaper's sources noted that Russia was intervening in the negotiations.
In exchange for the release of the Israeli investigator, Israel will release an Iranian, whom she is holding. According to the report, he is suspected of planning attacks against Israelis in Cyprus, who was apprehended by the Mossad inside Iran in June. The publication has no confirmation from another source.
Hezbollah Brigades members training in Iraq // Photo: Arab networks
Despite Iraq's announcement of an investigation into its disappearance, there is still a cloud of uncertainty about its fate. The newspaper quoted security sources as saying that several Shi'ite militias in Iraq were under pressure to provide information about the fate of Elizabeth Tsurkov, and negotiations were underway for a prisoner exchange.
According to the report, sources in the Shiite militias' umbrella group, Hashd al-Shaabi (which includes Hezbollah brigades), said that Tsurukov's abduction in Baghdad last March was intended to pressure Israel to revive negotiations for the release of an Iranian detainee in Tel Aviv. Negotiations stalled.
However, the Saudi newspaper reported conflicting statements about her whereabouts. According to a source close to the Shiite factions, Tsurukov is with the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades militia and is being held by it at Iran's request. On the other hand, according to other sources quoted in the newspaper, it has already been transferred to Iran.
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